What is the primary function of RADAR and LiDAR sensors?

The primary function of RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors is to measure distances accurately. These sensors work by emitting signals—RADAR uses radio waves while LiDAR utilizes laser light—to detect objects and calculate how far away they are based on the time it takes for the signals to return after reflecting off objects. This distance measurement is crucial for various applications in unmanned systems, such as terrain mapping, obstacle detection, and navigation, as it enables the system to determine its position relative to objects in its environment.

While transmitting signals is a part of how these systems operate, the data they return is fundamentally about distance measurement, making it the more precise answer. Collecting video footage is not a core function of RADAR and LiDAR; that function is associated with imaging sensors or cameras. Obstacle avoidance is a result of distance measurements that inform navigation and decision-making processes, but it is not the primary function of these sensors. Therefore, the focus on measuring distances captures the essence of what RADAR and LiDAR sensors do best.